Recap: Western Mich vs. Central Mich

Kalamazoo, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Austin Richie's layup with seven seconds remaining gave the Western Michigan Broncos a little breathing room as they held on for the 75-72 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas in Mid- American Conference action at University Arena.

Richie finished with eight points for the Broncos (12-8, 5-3 MAC) as they won for the third time in the last four outings. David Brown was the top scorer for the hosts with 20 points, although he shot just 1-of-8 behind the 3-point line, followed by Shayne Whittington and Connar Tava with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

The Chippewas (7-13, 0-8), losers of eight in a row and 10 of the last 11, were led by Chris Fowler and his game-high 27 points as he converted all 13 of his free-throw tries. Blake Hibbits and John Simons accounted for 12 points apiece.

CMU shot a dismal 23.8 percent from the field in the first half, including 1-of-13 beyond the arc, leaving the visitors with a 42-25 deficit at the break.

In the second half the Chippewas turned it around with 56.0 percent accuracy from the floor and 8-of-16 on the perimeter, but the final 3-point attempt by Fowler with time running out failed to hit the mark and left the squad with the three-point setback.

WMU survived despite turning the ball over 15 times and shooting just 5-of-20 on the outside.